₹11 Lakh Bounty to Chop Off Rahul Gandhi’s Tongue, Sena MLA

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad stirred a major controversy on Monday by announcing a bounty of ₹11 lakh for anyone who chops off Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. Gaikwad, a member of the Eknath Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena, made the statement in response to Rahul Gandhi’s comments on reservation during his recent trip to the United States.

Gaikwad said, “Rahul Gandhi’s statement about ending reservations in India is the biggest lie told to the public. On one hand, demands for reservation are increasing in Maharashtra, and on the other, Rahul Gandhi is talking about ending reservations in the country.”

He further added, “Today, Rahul Gandhi is speaking the language of ending reservations and has shown the true face of Congress. Whoever chops off his tongue, I will give them ₹11 lakh.”

During his recent visit to the US, Rahul Gandhi advocated for a nationwide caste census, arguing that it would help improve the representation of weaker sections in Indian institutions. “We will think about scrapping reservations only when India becomes a fair place, and right now, India is not a fair place,” Gandhi said when asked whether there were better ways to strengthen institutions than caste-based reservations.

Reacting to Gaikwad’s statement, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said that multiple “disgusting remarks” had been made against Rahul Gandhi in recent times. She remarked, “Who is Rahul Gandhi? He is a five-term elected MP and the leader of the Opposition in India’s democracy. How can such violent statements be tolerated?”

The BJP, which is allied with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, quickly distanced itself from Gaikwad’s comments. Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekar Bawankule stated, “I do not support or endorse Gaikwad’s statement. However, we should not forget that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru opposed reservations, arguing it would hinder progress.”

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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